What's the motivation behind Trump's 'reciprocal' tariffs?

Running roughshod over great and small, rich and poor

President Trump. PHOTO: REUTERS All over the world, devout Christians will be reaching for their Bibles, reading and re-reading Revelation 13:16-17.

Trump's reciprocity: A concept rooted in a tradition hostile to free trade

The US president justifies his protectionist policy by advocating for reciprocal tariffs. Initially an instrument to protect the American market before 1934, reciprocity later became a tool to open markets and returned to a protectionist stance in 1980.

Domestic shrimpers see a glimmer of hope in some US tariffs

At least one industry is cheering the efforts behind the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs warm water shrimpers.Shrimpers in the U.S. have been fighting a losing battle with imported shrimp for years, but now they see a step in the right direction to balance the industry.The "reciprocal tariffs", albeit lower than anticipated, hit India, Indonesia, Ecuador and Vietnam the biggest exporters of shrimp to the U.S.RELATED STORY | Tariffs: Th…

Trump's partial tariff pullback doesn't affect duties on Canadian imports

WASHINGTON — The United States is still imposing tariffs on Canada after President Donald Trump on Wednesday partially pulled back some of the most devastating duties against countries around the world.

US protectionist turn: Why Trump’s trade policies will backfire – The Mail & Guardian

US President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs signals a tectonic shift in global trade dynamics. In complete disregard of the interdependence of the modern global economy, his perspective on trade is entrenched in the zero-sum game theory, where one nation’s gain is perceived as another’s loss.  The given rationale behind Trump’s tariff policy is that if a country levies a 10% tariff on American goods, the US should rec…

Trump claims his tariffs are "reciprocal," but evidence suggests that they are disproportionately harsh for many countries.